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CMPD: Woman who ran red light, killed 3 in crash to face a judge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have arrested and charged the woman they said caused a crash in early September that killed three people and left several others critically injured.

[IMAGES: 2 killed in 3-car crash in southwest Charlotte]

The crash happened on Sept. 2 on South Tryon Street and Billy Graham Parkway in southwest Charlotte, forcing traffic to be shut down for hours.

Three people died and two others were seriously injured when three cars collided at the intersection, according to investigators.

Police said Amber Ann Marie Frazier was driving a Ford Econoline van and sped through a red light, smashing into a Ford Mustang and a Lincoln Aviator.

Officers said Sylvia Long, 67, and Simmie Long, 67, died in the Lincoln.

Frazier, her passenger, and the driver of the Mustang all suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital.

Frazier's passenger Michael Curtis Bradley Jr. died five days later on Sept. 7 at Atrium Health from injuries he sustained in the crash.

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Police said they were alerted to the crash by a 911 caller who said two vehicles were flipped in the intersection.

Investigators said Frazier, 33, was driving excessively fast and ran a red light, causing the crash. The impact of the van and the SUV was so violent that both vehicles ended up on their sides.

Police said Frazier was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Frazier was released from Atrium Health on Monday and was taken into custody.

Frazier was charged with three counts of felony death by vehicle, three counts of involuntary manslaughter, felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Frazier is expected to appear in court Monday.

A witness told Channel 9's DaShawn Brown that at least one of the cars caught fire. Another witness, Tyteries Dunbar, said he ran over to help the crash victims.

Dunbar said he was crossing the street when he witnessed the crash.

“Really, I don't even know how I'm feeling right now,” Dunbar said. “I feel bad for everybody. It's early Sunday morning. People are going to wake up to go to church. It's supposed to be a peaceful, good day, and this happened.”

Dunbar said he immediately went to check on the victims.

“I ran to everybody's car to make sure they were alright, but there was nothing I could do,” Dunbar said. “What can you say when somebody loses their life?”

Police shut down roads in the area for hours and advised drivers to seek alternate routes.

It has not yet been determined if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

Check back with wsoctv.com for more information. 

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